Hannaford barbecues raise money for charity

SCARBOROUGH – Fundraising barbecues held recently at all Hannaford Supermarkets locations raised a total of $53,800 for 100 charities selected by local stores.

The event, Summer Celebrations 2011, invited community members to a barbecue June 18, the Saturday before Father’s Day, at their local Hannaford.

For a $1 donation to charity, each person received a meal of hamburger, hot dog or sausage, potato chips and soda or water. Hannaford associates prepared and served the food.

“This was a fun way to celebrate summer and raise money for important local organizations at the same time,” said Michael Norton, director of corporate communications. “We really wanted to make it easy for customers and associates to contribute to their community at a time of year when many people are busy with family and summer activities.”

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More than 50 vendors joined Hannaford in sponsoring the barbecues, and eight donated products such as beef, cheese, buns and condiments.

All proceeds went to charity. The top recipients were United Way, $11,744; American Cancer Society, $5,688; and Drug Abuse Resistance Education, $3,953.

All 178 Hannaford stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York participated with barbecues held either in the store or store parking lots.

“The associates at each location put their own stamp on their barbecue, making it a real community celebration,” Norton said.